Dr. Hakon Hakonarson M.D, director of the Center for Applied Genomics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, found a variation of a gene located in a region important in signaling brain cells. The article mentions, "The current research is the first large-scale genome-wide study of copy number variation (CNV) in major depressive disorder (MDD)". CNV's are duplication or deletion of genes in DNA and has a strong effect to those who have have it.
Researchers have found 12 CNV's relating to depression. The most noticeable were large duplication of DNA segments on chromosome 5q35.1. The articulate states, "Residing at that location is the gene SLIT3, which is involved in axon development". Hakonarson said that he would study the CNV's in the region more closely with better sequencing technology to determine other genes that may lead to a greater risk of depression.
Hakonarson also states that with these findings it may lead up for newer drug development and assessing future risk of depression.
http://www.geneticstimes.com/research/Gene_duplication_detected_in_depression.asp
It is cool to think that they have found exactly what goes on in the brain signaling in a major depressive. This could help to better improve medicine not only for this illness but for other mental illnesses as well. Although there are some drugs out there to help people with mental illnesses, most of them have major side effects. Hopefully the continuation of this study will help to better understand the mechanics of mental illness and create drugs to treat the diseases without the harmful side effects.
ReplyDeleteThis is great that they may have found a gene that is afflicted with depression. I've been reading up on that subject lately and from what I've read, they've been trying to find a reasoning behind it with genes and it's been unsuccessful. So, maybe this time around they'll be on to something! Great article.
ReplyDelete"The gene involved plays an important role in the development of nerve cells, adding to evidence that disruptions in neurotransmission networks form a biological basis for depression."
ReplyDeleteThis statment made in the artice is really a descriptive statment and from it I see how this gene plays a important role. This genetic defect that happens on chromosome 5 has atleast been located and a understanding of how it affects those with MDD is even more interesting. this is just a really good article that makes a find to depression, and hopefully a further find in the future will bring us closer to a new medication to help people conquor depression.